Orlando Pirates’ star winger, Relebohile Mofokeng, has revealed the tactical nudge from coach Abdeslam Ouaddou that inspired his latest Man of the Match performance against Magesi FC in Soweto.
The Buccaneers climbed to second in the Betway Premiership standings on Saturday night following a 2-0 victory over Magesi FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena. The win was secured courtesy of goals from Yanela Mbuthuma and Mofokeng.
Mofokeng was the heartbeat of Pirates’ attack. His influence was felt across every blade of grass, finishing the game with a goal, providing an assist, creating the most chances [five], recording 84 touches, and making eight recoveries.
This tireless work rate earned the fan-favourite, affectionately known as ‘Rele,’ the Man of the Match accolade.
This victory moves the Sea Robbers to 32 points after 14 games, pulling them level with log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. However, the Soweto giants hold a game in hand, putting the destiny of the title race firmly in their own hands as the season reaches its boiling point.
WHAT ABDESLAM OUADDOU SAID TO IGNITE RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG’S MAN OF THE MATCH MASTERCLASS
Speaking after the final whistle, Mofokeng credited the technical team for giving him the license to express himself.
“The coach told me that I must feel free, go into the spaces, and be myself,” said Mofokeng after walking away with the Man of the Match award.
“So, I think that gave me the confidence to play my normal game. I believe that I have confidence now because he gave me that confidence to be free.”
The Bafana Bafana international also acknowledged that breaking down a stubborn Magesi defence wasn’t easy.
“It was very difficult in the beginning, but I think we managed to pull the triggers to see the spaces behind them. I think we did very well. I believe we deserve the three points, and we will keep on going,” he added.
With Mofokeng playing with this level of creative freedom, the ‘Ghost’ will certainly believe that this could be their year to bring the league trophy back to Orlando after many failed attempts.
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